Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"To: Mr. Bill Engle and family I would very much like to hear from you all. My number is 907-394-2146. If and when your ready."
Josh Hanson of Alaska

"Mark not a day goes by that I don't think of you brother. I can only take solice in knowing that you are up there waiting in heaven for the day we see each other again. This world seems a lot darker without you around. So I guess the only thing left to do is just keep putting one foot in front of the other. You taught me more about life and how to live it then you will ever know. Miss you bro"
Josh Hanson of Alaska

"Dearest friend Mark,
It's been almost 11 years now; the influence you left on the people you knew is everlasting. You were a wonderful friend with so much life ahead of you. I know you're looking down from Heaven watching over your family and friends. Today I salute you and the sacrifice you made for our country. Thank you for your strength and the enduring positive influence you left behind with which so many people model their lives after. To the Engel family, I pray you are doing well and are at peace in your hearts. On this Memorial Day know that your legacy will never be forgotten."
Andrew C of Colorado Springs, CO

"Thank you for going and fighting for are country. Thank you for putting other people's lives before your own. Thank you for helping everyone keep their freedom. You're an amazing person who did an amazing thing for his country and its people. Your memorie will live on forever."
Lexi of Aventura, Fl

"July 21, 2011
To the family of Mark Engel.
We will not forget. Our heroes deserve no less than to be respected and honored for their ultimate sacrifice. We appreciate and love you Mark."
Cheryl of Frederick, CO

"To the family of:Mark E. Engel
I am so sorry for the loss of your love one. My heart cries out for you in your grief and you have my thoughts and prayers. He died a hero defending freedom. May you have the peace and understanding that only comes from God. Prayerfully we will all meet in Heaven one day where we will rest in the arms of Jesus. If you need prayer or need someone to talk to, please call or write my pastor: Rev. John Pearrell 11677 Brown Bridge Rd., Covington, GA 30016. (770)787-1015.
Your friend in Jesus Christ, Polly Ballew Covington,Ga"2-18-18"

"I never want to forget the sacrifices of so many young men and women. I am so proud it makes me cry. I understand in theory only that war is a part of human nature but so is love and caring. I wish I could take the families pain away but I can't. I am committed to loving ALL people, myself and our environment. I am committed to working on my happiness everyday because so many have died for my freedom to live my life. Thank you is not enough but it is all I have. All my love and respect. ogersteiner@yahoo.com
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dEjz-wAQLSA&feature=PlayList&p=477CB1585D5551F3
A hundred times a day, I remind myself that my inner and outer life depends on the labors of other men, living and dead, and I must exert myself in order to give in the same measure as I have received and am receiving. - Albert Einstein"
Scott E. Steiner of Worthington, OH USA

"i miss the fun we had staying out all night partying out in n.c. u always turned the most terrible situation into a positive one, i mean * we went to iraq twice together, where even there u could made me laugh! sorry i haven't left a message before i could never think of anything to say, but think of u often. had a chance to hang out with your sister when she was down in n.c. talked about all the funny but stupid stuff we did not just in n.c. but all over the world. your sister just like u is good people,look alike but i have to say shes a hell of a lot better looking. i love and miss u buddy. p.s. haven't forgotten the motto in case u were wondering i got the damn thing as a tattoo."
cpl. paul valliere of haverhill, ma 01832

"It was almost 8 years ago that i met mark. ill never forget he and i were in a group of 9 marines that showed up to aberdeen proving grounds together. he went to the east coast and i went to the west coast. it wasnt untill april of 2003 that i saw him again. we were in diwaniya together as part of task force tripoli where all four LAR's were together. i was at 1st LAR and he was at 2nd LAR. he was a good man and will live on forever in my mind. SEMPER FI BROTHER!"
Jeffery L. Hansen of Yuma AZ

"To the Engel family:
I would love to hear from you,and give my support. I think about you guys all the time. 303-552-4882. may god bless you. Jon Swift"
Jon Swift of Littleton,co

"Mark was not only my friend but my brother. I grew up with him and his family. We all had so many memories sice the fouth grade. my family and his lived by eachother in two different area's. I will never forget Mark or the family"
Jon Swift of littleton,co

"Happy birthday Mark!!! Four years ago yesterday the world lost one hell of a Marine and you left behind proud friends and family. Thank you for all you sacrificed for us."
Brent of Greenwood Village, CO

"Its been four years today pal and not a day goes by that your not thought of. It feels like yesterday that we were in that scorching hot tent in Fallujah together. "Until we meet again buddy.""
your roomate, Cpl Paddy Walsh of Bayonne, NJ

"June 9, 2008
To the family of Lance Cpl. Mark E. Engel:
Mark gave the ultimate sacrifice and will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cannot and will not let our fallen heroes be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you. "Some gave all."
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org"
Peggy Childers of Carson City, NV

"I knew Mark well and was deeply distraught by his loss. I worked with him on a daily basis I drank with him I laughed with him I miss him. Mark always wanted to be holding a rifle not a wrench he was a fighter and he should be hear today. Mark I miss you to any freinds and family of Mark I have video footage of him in Iraq the first time we went and would be happy to give copies to any that were close to Mark contact Bluewaterdiver007@yahoo.com"
Robert Hollandsworth of Kailua-kona-hawaii

"unbelievable, it is more than 3 years. I am so sorry for this loss. May he rest in peace."
sheila

"MARK, I WILL NEVER FORGET YOU....
YOU WERE A GREAT FRIEND....
I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER OUR LATE NIGHT TALKS ABOARD THE IWO JIMA, WHICH USUALLY ENDED W/ SOMEONE TELLING US TO SHUT UP BECAUSE YOU WERE SO LOUD! ILL NEVER EVER FORGET YOU BROTHER.... THANK YOU!"
CPL. VAN HORN,MARK of LOGANSPORT,INDIANA

"I offer my heartfelt condolences to the family of Mark E. Engel. May God bless you and give you strength and please know that his courage & honor will never be forgotten."
Robert O'Gorman of New York, NY USA

"Semper Fi brother."
Sgt Ryan Trim of Wasilla Alaska USA

"This is to the family of Mark Engel.
I am honored to have known Mark. He used to take leave and visit the Towson area of Baltimore along with a close friend of mine, Nick Ziolkowski. I had someone very close to me involved in OIF 1. I recall an occurrence when this person was having a tough time dealing with the combat experiences he had endured while in theater. Mark and Nick talked with this person all night in an effort to comfort this person whom neither of them knew. I met Mark on several occasions and I have to say, he and Nick are people who constantly inspire me. I humbly offer you my condolences and gratitude for Mark's service and sacrifice.

God Bless,"
Sergeant John Paul Merson of Fort Stewart, Ga

"Mark, I cant thank you enough for what you did for me my family and my country. I respect you a million times over. you are a true hero and i will never forget you. Rest in peace brother you deserve it."
seth elken of denver, co

"Mark-what a wonderful friend with a wonderful heart you were...positive when we needed cheering up. You always went through with a smile which made everyone else smile:)

To the family of Mark-My best friend and I knew Mark quite well...throughout high school. We attended his service and what a wonderful service it was. We share your pain and remember that you're not alone...Mark is with you in everything that you do. Carry him with you in your heart and he will be with you always."
Danielle of Centennial, CO

"I miss all you guys man. You will not be forgoten."
Trevor of Pantego, TX

"I served with Mark in Iraq and he was always someone who brought comeradery. His sacrafice will never be forgotten. I thank him for what he gave to me! God Bless!"
Doc Appleby of New Albany, IN

"On June 18th 2005 I attended The Illimois Freedom Run in Marseilles IL. The run is for a memorial for all fallen gulf war soldiers. All who contributed to the memorial fund were given a dog tag with the name of a fallen soldier on it. I have Mark's tag. I am proud to wear this in remembrance of your son and the ultimate sacrifice you as parents have made. I to have a 21y old son and think of Mark whenever i see my son. God bless Mark he will never be forgotten in my neck of the woods and he is forever memorialized on a memorial wall in Illinois. The web site to view this wall is ilfreedomrun.org"
Randall Warning Sr. of Oak Lawn Il.

"Wow. Seems I am the only one from Colorado so far to post. I admit that I wasn't very good friends with Mark in High School, but his death really brought home this war to me. I know a lot of people before and since him have lost their lives doing their jobs in the name of our country, but he was the first person I actually knew. I am sorry that he died, it seems a lot of people really liked him, and I know he was going places."
Jennifer of Englewood, CO

"I DID NOT KNOW HIM FOR LONG. BUT FOR THE TIME THAT I DID SERVE WITH ENGEL, I KNEW WHERE TO GO FOR A GOOD LAUGH WHEN I WAS HAVING A BAD DAY. HE IS ALWAYS IN MY THOUGHTS."
PEDRO MANCEBO of BALTIMORE, MARYLAND

"Veteran's Day, 2004

To the family of Mark Engel,

We do not know you, but the Town of Holliston has honored those who gave the greatest sacrifice in Iraq for their country by placing their names on telephone poles around town. Mark Engel's name has been placed in front of our home and we wanted to let you know that his sacrifice is being remembered and honored by our family and our town. We thank you and honor his memory.

The Servidios
Holliston, Massachusetts"
Nicholas Servidio of Holliston, Massachusetts

"On Sunday, July 19, 2004, I had the privilege of holding aloft a placard containing Mark's name at a memorial to the fallen in Barrington, Illinois.
God bless Mark and your family. We pray that our leaders may soon find the wisdom and the light to end such heart breaking losses as yours."
CDR R.E.Griffith, USNR(Ret) of Arlington Hts, Illinois

"To honor is to remember! And there hasn't been a day that I haven't thought about you.
My heart is torn. When times were rough, when patrols were boring, it was you who kept a smile on my face. Save a place up there for me. I miss and love you brother!"
Sgt. Santiago, Nicholas of Camp Lejeune, N.C.

"Your son and your family have been in our prayers so very often! I know you must be so proud of your Marine! I know there are no words to make things better. However, I could tell that your son came from a beautiful family and that he was very loved. Hold tight to all of your fond memories of your beautiful son and family. Please know that there are so many of us who care about your family and who will not forget the sacrifice your son made to our nation. God Bless You."
MAJ Donna Rojas/Army Nurse of Brooke Army Medical Center

"Mark, Thank you so much for your dedication. You will never be forgotten. You are my hero and I miss you... To the family of Mark, Im sorry for the loss, he was a true friend and i miss him deeply, he always brought a smile to my face. He will truley be missed. We miss you mark....(speaking for me and the Marine Recons out of Camp Lejeune)"
Your Friend, Melissa of Rock Hill SC

"We Will NEVER FORGET !"
Please KNOW so many people share your sadness, and we are remembering all your family and loved ones
in your loss and your deep grief. Your HERO, Mark, will be remembered by name. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless you. Pat & Sandi Breckenridge Montana "

"Mark, You used to always ask me in iraq if we were ther yet. Well brother your there. I miss and can't wait to see again."
Lance corpal Quinton DeWall of Camp LeJeune

"To the family and friends of Lance Corporal Mark E. Engel,

Those we hold most dear, never truly leave us. May you find comfort in love's everlasting connection.

In the Support section of this web site you will find links to many groups that support you at this crucial time. The Marine Comfort Quilt group would be honored to send a quilt to the next of kin. There are many, loving and caring Americans from all over the United States that will never forget the sacrifice that your loved one has made for our Freedom. Please register so we can send you our "Love Stitched Together."

Proud Marine Mom and Proud Member of Marine Comfort Quilts"
Sandra Moudy of Placentia, California

"To fallen soldiers let us sing
Where no rockets fly nor bullets wing
Our broken brothers let us bring
To the Mansions of the Lord
No more bleeding, no more fight
No prayers pleading through the night
Just divine embrace, eternal light
In the Mansions of the Lord
Where no mothers cry and no children weep
We will stand and guard though the angels sleep
Through the ages safely keep
The Mansions of the Lord"
Gary Balcombe of Littleton, CO

"Mark, you may be gone but not forgotten, thank you doesn't seem enough for the sacrifice you gave. You will always be remembered."
Sitha Smen of Jacksonville,NC

"Mark,
The ultimate sacrifice you have made will never be forgotten. I was at Camp LeJeune that cold, dark February morning to watch the men of 2nd LAR load up and head out to the hot sands of Iraq. Never before have I seen such dedication and selfless resolve. You have my undying gratitude and respect. God Bless You."
Marilane Mesler of Fairhope, Alabama

"Thank you brave soldier for sacrificing your today for my children's safer tomorrow. You have our utmost respect and gratitude.
May G-d provide your family with comfort in their time of sorrow. May you forever rest in peace. Neither you nor your sacrifice will be forgotten.
A grateful citizen and a Proud Marine Mom, (purplelily219@yahoo.com)"
Lily of Wakefield MA

"your son was a true hero times will be rough but always go back to the smiling moments when you could laugh and hear his voice to make it throught them"
eric spooner of troy,ny

"My son, LCpl Timothy Ryan Creager, was also in the 2nd LAR, 2nd division, 2nd expeditionary. He was KIA on 7/1/04. Our hearts go out to you in this difficult time. Know our prayers are with you, and Mark's sacrifice for this country will never be forgotten."
Mike Creager of Memphis, TN

"Corporal Engel, goodbye soldier and thank you. You are my hero."
Bill of Houston, Texas

"To Mark's Family and Friends:

On behalf of the Blanco-Caldas family, we send our sincerest condolences. We share the same loss ... the same pain. Our prayers are with you in this most difficult time and we thank you for your loved one's bravery and sacrifice.

Sincerely,

The Family of Capt. Ernesto M. Blanco-Caldas, 82nd Airborne
KIA Iraq 12/28/2003.
Gloria Caldas (Ernie's mom) of San Antonio, TX
gloria.caldas@banksterling.com"

"To Mark's Family:
There are no words to express the sorrow we feel for your loss. May God bless you and help you through this time."
Dan and Meg Manninen of San Antonio, Texas

"Thank you Mark Engel, you will not be forgotten. Your bravery goes beyond words. I want to express my deepest gratitude for your sacrifice. To the family and friends, my prayers and deep condolences in your loss. May God strengthen you from knowing that fellow Americans and people around the world care about you and grieve with you in your loss. God bless you all. A very appreciative fellow American,"
Leo Titus of Grayslake, Illinios

"To the family and friends of Lance Cpl. Mark Engel:
May God's grace be with you during your time of grief. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and we feel your loss and share in your sorrow. Bless Mark for the sacrifice he has made to make a better life for the rest of us."
The Ford Family of Wells, Nevada

"To the family and friends of Lance Cpl. Mark Engel:
I am saddened by the loss of your loved one. He will always be remembered as a hero for fighting for freedom. I hope that this website will be a source of comfort and encouragement for you during this difficult time, and in the future as you recall the memories of Mark, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia